Spring Semester First-Year Program Liberal Arts Colloquia (3 or 4 credits) – Required for All First-Year Students

col·lo·qui·um [ kə lṓkwee əm ] (plural col·lo·qui·ums or col·lo·qui·a [ kə lṓkwee ə ], noun.  1. academic seminar: an academic conference or seminar in which a particular topic is discussed, 2. discussion meeting: an informal meeting to discuss something. [Late 16th century. < Latin, "conversation" < colloqui "speak with" < loqui "speak"]

A core element of TIER I, the First-Year Liberal Arts Colloquium may be offered by faculty members from any academic discipline. Each Colloquium represents a unique exploration of aspects of the human condition from the diverse perspectives of the instructor, the students, and the field of inquiry. The Colloquium will introduce students to academic standards and practices that are foundational for a successful university career and life-long learning.

To assist first-year students in becoming engaged in the intellectual life of the university, they will enroll in one of many discussion-oriented colloquia that explore a broad, contemporary theme developed from the expertise and interests of the instructor. Each colloquium consists of a group of twenty students who will become active learners working closely with a faculty member and each other to develop the skills of good scholarship – critical reading, logical thinking, and effective communication – that are the keys to a successful academic career and a productive life beyond the university.

Upon completion of the First-Year Liberal Arts Colloquium students will be able to:

1. Recognize the multiple dimensions (approaches, goals, consequences) of the pursuit of understanding and truth in an academic environment;
2. Understand the role of logic, reason, and evidence in academic pursuits;
3. Effectively communicate with others, orally, visually and in writing;
4. Seek, compile and effectively use accurate and relevant evidence to support a position;
5. Manage doubt and uncertainty in the pursuit of understanding;
6. Know the ethical dimensions and obligations of academic endeavors;
7. Demonstrate respect for others and points of view dissimilar from one’s own; and
8. Demonstrate essential intellectual traits such as integrity, perseverance, fairness, empathy and courage.

Spring 2009 Colloquia Courses
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Spring 2009 Colloquia Course Descriptions

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Spring 2009 Colloquia Course Descriptions
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Spring 2009 Colloquia Course Descriptions
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If you have any questions about the above documents, please contact Dr. Martin Levin at levin@easternct.edu.